“Was just trying to salute a friend of mine” - When Philadelphia 76ers fans bashed Charles Barkley for trying to honor Magic Johnson

Despite evolving into one of the league’s premier forwards while donning the Philadelphia 76ers jersey, Charles Barkley struggled to win the affection of the team’s fanbase even when his actions were well-intentioned.

This disconnect was starkly evident when ‘The Round Mound of Rebound’ attempted to honor his friend Magic Johnson in the wake of his retirement. However, Barkley’s decision to wear jersey No. 32 as a tribute was only met with extensive scrutiny from Sixers fans.

Barkley wanted to honor Magic

In November 1991, the basketball world was stunned when the LA Lakers point guard announced his sudden retirement following an HIV diagnosis. The news sent shockwaves through the league, eliciting varied responses from players. While players such as Larry Bird became hesitant to take the court, Sir Charles chose a different approach. In order to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, he decided to wear Magic’s infamous No. 32.

Donning the number for the first time on November 5, 1991, the 11-time All-Satr dropped 28 points against the Boston Celtics. Eventually, Barkley continued to wear the same jersey for the remainder of the 1991-92 season. However, this gesture became complicated to the Sixers fans as it had been retired in honor of Bill Cunningham.

Although the 1967 NBA Champ appreciated Charles’ efforts to support Magic in his own way, the response from the 76ers fans was far from positive. According to the Washington Post, radio shows across the city were inundated with calls expressing various negative opinions about Barkley’s decision.

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Barkley could not understand the backlash

Despite Chuckster’s reputation for sarcastic remarks and straightforward opinions, he found the backlash on this particular occasion perplexing. It made him feel that, regardless of his actions, he would always face scrutiny.

"I was just trying to salute a friend of mine," Barkley said . "I can't believe that something that I thought was good could be turned into something bad."

This incident perfectly summarizes the intricate relationship between Barkley and the 76ers fanbase. While the 1993 MVP never minced his words while calling out those in the organization who were performing below expectations, the Sixers fans reciprocated with equal fervor; they seized every opportunity to criticize him.

Related: Charles Barkley on why he did not want to be drafted by Philadelphia 76ers: "I didn't leave college for $75,000"